Method, device and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display

ABSTRACT

A method, device, and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display, such as a plasma television, on a support surface includes a bracket provided with a pre-determined position that corresponds to a screen center of the plasma television.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority on prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/716,522, filed Sep. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to mounting devices, and more particularly to a method, device and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display, such as a flat screen television (TV) or computer monitor to a support surface, such as a wall.

In the last decade or so, the flat or planar panel displays have become increasing popular at homes and businesses. Gone are the days when bulky and rear-extending cathode ray tubes (CRT's) were used as televisions, computer monitors, etc. Also gone are the days for the big screen TV's that essentially took over the CRT's as projection devices. The rear projection TV's, although provided a significantly larger viewing screen area, they also were bulky and had a significantly large rear-extending component. Some of the projection TV's are estimated to extend as deep as 24″.

The modern day TV or computer display panels are not only less bulky, they are significantly thinner in depth thereby presenting the users with an attractive alternative to mount them on a wall, as opposed to setting on a table or on the floor. Mounting a flat or planar panel display on a support surface, such as a wall, however, presents new challenges.

Various prior art mounting devices include friction based hinges, mechanical linkages with springs, other biasing devices, and other mechanical latches. Typically, when securing a flat or planar panel TV, computer display screen or the like, onto a mounting surface, some type of mounting bracket is used. These brackets can be obtained from several different vendors, and they vary in style and operation. Most brackets, however, have a serious weakness that places a greater burden upon the installer. Once the required position of the TV screen is identified on the mounting surface (typically a wall), it is difficult for the installer to position the mounting bracket such that the exact center of the TV screen (referred to as “screen center”) is indeed mounted exactly in the required or desired position on the mounting surface.

This difficulty occurs due to several reasons described here. There are two mechanical interfaces involved—positioning of the screen center relative to the mounting bracket, and positioning of the mounting bracket relative to the desired location on the mounting surface. Regarding the former, position of screen center is not identified on most brackets. Having been engaged in the home theater business for many years, I am not aware of any manufacturer that identifies screen center. It is never safe to assume that screen center is at the center of the bracket (It rarely is. If so, it is probably by coincidence). Regarding the latter interface, even if the installer determines the location of screen center and can mark it on the bracket, it is difficult to accurately align the marking with the required position on the mounting surface.

Presently, in order to position the screen center at the desired location, an installer may typically use one of three methods: (1) Attach the bracket to the TV, hold the TV and bracket in the desired position and mark the mounting position or insert the mounting bolts. This requires two or three people for larger TVs; (2) Take several measurements to calculate and/or mark the position on the bracket that is aligned with screen center and take several measurements to calculate and/or mark the correct placement of the mounting bracket on the mounting surface; and (3) Some combination of methods #1 and #2.

One would readily appreciate that Method #1 is costly and time consuming, particularly for larger displays. In addition, this method is not very accurate. Methods #2 and #3 are complicated, error prone and difficult.

Examples of various prior art devices are disclosed in U.S. Patents/Publications 3,471,656; 6,102,348; 6,402,109; 6,484,983; 6,857,611; 6,923,413; 2004/0084579; 2004/0211870; 2004/0232298; 2005/0004836; 2005/0061937; 2005/0082453; 2005/0133677; 2005/0152102; 2005/0152103; 2005/0178941; and Des. 489,377.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the industry for a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which allows an installer to easily position the mounting device such that the exact center of the display, screen center, corresponds exactly to the required or desired position on the mounting surface.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method, device, and/or a kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display, such as a TV or computer monitor, which overcomes the drawbacks associated with conventional mounting devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting flat or planar panel display which is pre-marked with a location that corresponds to a screen center of the display panel or screen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which allows an installer to easily mount the display screen such that the screen center thereof corresponds exactly to the desired position on the mounting surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which allows easy mounting of the display panel or screen at the precise location on the support surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which eliminates guesswork and the need for taking several measurements to calculate and/or mark the position on the mounting device and/or the mounting surface to align the screen center of the display panel or screen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which can be used to mount various types of display devices, including plasma display panels (PDPs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), digital light projectors (DLPs), as well as cathode ray tubes (CRTs).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which can be used to mount a display screen in very close proximity to the support surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which is easy to use and includes self-centering, self-locking and/or self-guiding offset keyhole cutouts. Since the keyholes are self-locking, the need for any external screws or bolts to prevent the display from accidentally falling off the support surface, is eliminated.

In summary, the present invention is directed to a novel Screen Center Technology (SCT), preferably incorporated on a mounting bracket, which allows an installer to quickly and easily identify the exact position of the screen center on the bracket for the specific manufacturer's model. Additionally, it allows the installer to position and install the bracket onto the mounting surface—even without having the panel, such as a TV. When the TV is available, it can simply be attached to the mounting bracket, and the TV will be positioned exactly where predicted.

This technology requires no measurements and no mathematical calculations for the installation. This results in exact, error-free positioning of the TV onto the mounting surface every time. Although this technology benefits all installations, the benefits are even greater with larger, heavier TVs.

The Screen Center Technology is not limited to any particular means of identifying screen center. It can use any type of identifier (e.g., hole, mark, notch, indicia, etc.). Nor is it limited specifically to one particular type of bracket (e.g., wall-mount, articulating, tilt, etc.). The technology is intended to cover a broad definition of incorporating some means of identifying the TV or the like display panel screen center to simplify mounting of a TV. The TV can be any type, e.g., plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light projector (DLP), cathode ray tube (CRT), etc. Additionally, the SCT can be used to mount any other type of flat panel or the like display screen on a support surface.

The SCT is preferably implemented by providing a mounting bracket with a screen center locating hole located exactly at screen center of the TV. Each bracket is preferably specifically designed for one or more TVs. (Note that a different TV is defined as a different make, model and/or size.) If the bracket is designed for multiple TVs, there may be multiple holes, each used to identify screen center for a specific TV. These holes are clearly labeled to identify the screen center position they represent.

During installation, the screen center locating hole is used to position the bracket in such a way that the specific manufacturer and model is properly mounted on the wall. A screw can temporarily hold the bracket in place, and the bracket can then be permanently attached to the wall. When the TV is installed, it is positioned perfectly.

In addition to the screen center locating hole, the bracket of the present invention preferably includes uniquely designed offset keyhole cutouts which have several benefits. They require only ¼-1″ of horizontal and vertical movement of the TV, when placing it onto the wall. In addition, they are self-centering, self-locking and/or self-guiding. Many conventional brackets require substantial movement in order to mount the TV onto the wall. This makes it difficult to mount the TV inside a closely spaced custom enclosure. Because the cutouts are self-locking, they require no external screws or bolts to prevent the TV from falling off the wall (should the TV be bumped, for example).

Many conventional brackets allow the installer to secure the bracket (and the TV) into only one stud located behind the wall. Due to the substantial weight and size of many TVs (e.g., Plasma, LCD TV, etc.), one stud simply is not enough to securely support the TV. The bracket of the present invention allows the installer to comfortably hit two studs with four mounting screws within, for example, a 30″ width for a very strong, secure attachment. This is because of the unique design that places many slotted holes, preferably in two offset series, along both the top and bottom of the bracket surfaces.

One of the above objects is met, in part, by the present invention which in one aspect includes a device for mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, including a bracket having a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a device for mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, including a bracket having first and second mounting sections, and a support section stepped from one of the first and second mounting sections. The bracket includes a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display, and a plurality of keyhole cutouts, each including an opening and a laterally offset slot. At least one of the first and second mounting sections includes a plurality of mounting holes.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a kit for mounting a planar display on a support surface, including a bracket having a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display and a plurality of keyhole cutouts; a plurality of mounting buttons, each including at least one off-center groove to be received in one of the keyhole cutouts; and a plurality of fasteners.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, including a) providing a bracket having a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display; b) selecting a location on a support surface to correspond with the screen center of the planar display; c) positioning the bracket relative to the support surface so that the location selected in step b) corresponds to the predetermined position on the bracket, d) installing the bracket on the support surface, and e) attaching the planar panel display to the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One of the above and other objects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is front elevational view of a mounting device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mounting device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the mounting device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the mounting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 1, shown with the recommended mounting hardware;

FIGS. 6-8 and 11-13 illustrate step-by-step instructions for installing a plasma panel display, FIG. 13 being an enlarged sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12; and

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate (in enlarged sectional views taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8) alternative manners of installing the mounting buttons to obtain a desired clearance between the support surface and the back of the plasma panel display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the mounting device MD of the present invention will now be described. As shown, the mounting MD is in the form of a bracket 10 made of a suitable strong, yet light-weight material, such as aluminum. The bracket 10 includes upper and lower mounting sections 12 and 14 with a middle support section 16. As best shown in FIG. 3, the support section 16 is stepped away from the mounting sections 12 and 14. Each of the upper and lower mounting sections 12 and 14 includes a series of adjacent slotted mounting holes 18 for securing the bracket 10 to a support surface SS by using conventional bolts or screws, as described below. (It is noted herewith that the various dimensions noted herein, are for illustrative purposes only, and can be changed, as desired, without departing from the intent, spirit, or objectives of the present invention.)

The support section 16 preferably includes relief cutouts 20 and 22 for receiving the plasma body or other rearwardly extending components of a display panel DP. This provision allows for mounting the display panel DP in close proximity to the support surface SS, i.e., flush or almost flush to about 1.25″ off the surface.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the support section 16 also includes a screen center hole 24 that corresponds to a screen center of a particular display panel for which the mounting device MD has been designed. It will be appreciated that the screen center of a display panel may or may not correspond to the center of the display panel itself. (It is noted herewith that FIG. 1 illustrates an additional screen center hole 26 that corresponds to a different type of plasma screen. In particular, the hole 24 corresponds to a 50″/55″/63″ plasma screen, while the hole corresponds to the screen center of a 42″ plasma screen.)

In order to hang or suspend the display panel on the bracket 10, offset keyhole cutouts 28 are provided, preferably at each corner 30 of the support section 16. Preferably, each keyhole cutout 28 includes a large rounded opening 32 and an offset, generally square locking slot 34, connected by a sliding ramp 36. (It is noted herewith that the position, orientation, configuration, shape, and the total number of the relief cutouts 20 and 22, and the keyhole cutouts 28, can be varied to accommodate a different display panel, as desired.) The specific configuration of the offset keyhole cutouts 28 allows easy hanging or suspending of the display panel DP off the bracket 10 by merely aligning the off-center grooved mounting buttons 38 (FIGS. 5 and 9-10) with the large openings 32, and sliding down the corresponding ramps 36, followed by automatic locking in the corresponding locking slots 34 (FIGS. 12-13).

FIG. 4 discloses an alternative embodiment of the mounting device MD, which is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, except that two series of vertically and laterally offset mounting holes 18 are provided in the upper and lower mounting sections 12 and 14. This arrangement ensures finding the center of a stud for mounting purposes. (It is noted herewith that like parts and components in the alternative embodiments have been designated with the same reference numerals.)

Referring to FIG. 5, the recommended mounting hardware, preferably includes four mounting buttons 38 with screws 40, and four lag bolts 42 with washers 44.

As best shown in FIGS. 9-10, each mounting button 38 includes an off-center groove 39. It will be appreciated that by positioning the groove 39 away (FIG. 9) or closer (FIG. 10) to the back 46 of the display panel DP, the clearance C between the support surface SS and the display panel DP (FIG. 13) would be more, or less, respectively. It is noted herewith that multiple grooves, including off-center grooves, may be provided across the length of each mounting button 38 to obtain varying degrees of clearances C.

Referring to FIGS. 6-13, the manner of mounting the display panel DP will now be described. As best shown in FIG. 6, a location 48 on the support surface SS, where the screen center 24 (or 26, as the case maybe) of the display panel DP will be located, is first selected. The bracket 10 is then held in place on the support surface SS in a manner that the screen center 24 is aligned with the screen center location 48. Using a suitable fastener, such as a sheet rock screw 50, the bracket 10 is then held in place on the support surface SS. Preferably two studs S are then located using a conventional stud finder or other suitable device.

As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional level L is used to ensure that the bracket 10 is level on the support surface SS. The bracket 10 is then installed on the support surface SS by using four lag bolts 42 and the washers 44. It is recommended that the appropriate size pilot holes be pre-drilled on the center of the studs S prior to driving the lag bolts 42 therein. The lag bolts 42 are then tightened to secure the bracket 10 on the support surface SS.

As shown in FIG. 8, the buttons 38 are mounted on the back 46 of the display panel DP, keeping in mind the desired or recommended clearance C between the support surface SS and the display panel DP. In particular, in order to mount the display panel DP flush or almost flush to the support surface SS, the buttons 38 are mounted in a manner that the grooves 39 thereof are closer to the back 46 of the display panel DP (FIG. 10). If, on the other hand, the nature of the display panel DP does not allow mounting it flush or close to the support surface SS, the buttons 38 are mounted in a manner that the grooves 39 are positioned away from the back 46 of the display panel DP (FIG. 9).

Once mounted on the display panel DP for the desired clearance C, the buttons 38 are aligned with the rounded openings 32 of the key hole cutouts 28 on the bracket 10 (FIG. 11). When all four buttons 38 are properly aligned, the display panel DP is then carefully lowered so that the grooves 39 are properly seated in the keyhole cutouts 28. It will be appreciated that as the display panel DP is lowered, the buttons 38 will slide down the corresponding ramps 36 of the key hole cutouts 28 and come to lock in the respective slots 34 (FIGS. 12-13).

From the above and the step-by-step instructions provided in FIGS. 6-13, one would observe that the mounting device MD of the present invention can be used to mount a display panel easily on a support surface in a manner that the screen center of the panel or screen matches with the desired position on the mounting surface. In addition, the shape, configuration, and location of the offset keyhole cutouts 28, allow easy and automatic self-centering, self-guiding and self-locking of the display panel on the bracket 10.

While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A device for mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, comprising: a) a bracket including a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) said bracket includes first and second mounting sections, and a support section.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein: a) said bracket includes a plurality of keyhole cutouts; and b) each said keyhole cutout includes an opening and an offset slot connected by a sliding ramp.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) said opening and said slot are laterally offset.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) said opening and said slot are laterally and vertically offset.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) at least one of said first and second mounting sections includes a plurality of holes.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein: a) said holes are arranged in first and second laterally offset series.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein: a) said support section includes said keyhole cutouts.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein: a) said support section is stepped from one of said first and second mounting sections.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) said predetermined position is identified by a hole or an indicia.
 11. The device of claim 1, comprising: a) a plurality of said predetermined positions.
 12. A device for mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, comprising: a) a bracket including first and second mounting sections, and a support section stepped from one of said first and second sections; b) said bracket including a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display; c) a plurality of keyhole cutouts, each including an opening and a laterally offset slot; and d) at least one of said first and second mounting sections including a plurality of holes.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein: a) said opening and said slot are connected by a sliding ramp.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein: a) said opening and said slot are vertically offset.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein: a) said predetermined position is identified by a hole or an indicia.
 16. The device of claim 12, comprising: a) a plurality of said predetermined positions.
 17. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a) a relief cutout for accommodating a portion of the planar panel display.
 18. A kit for mounting a planar display on a support surface, comprising: a) a bracket including a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display; b) said bracket including a plurality of keyhole cutouts; c) a plurality of mounting buttons, each including at least one off-center groove to be received in one of said keyhole cutouts; and d) a plurality of fasteners.
 19. A method of mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, comprising: a) providing a bracket including a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display; b) selecting a location on a support surface to correspond with the screen center of the planar panel display; c) positioning the bracket relative to the support surface so that the location selected in step b) corresponds to the predetermined position of the bracket; d) installing the bracket on the support surface; and e) attaching the planar panel display to the bracket.
 20. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) the planar panel display includes a center; and b) said predetermined position corresponds to the center of the planar panel display. 